Cook Chicken Pot Pie In Air Fryer

13 min read Oct 18, 2024

The Crispy, Golden Delight of Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie

Forget the soggy crusts and lukewarm fillings of traditional chicken pot pies – the air fryer is here to revolutionize your dinner game! This countertop wonder transforms your favorite comfort food into a crispy, golden masterpiece, all while being a healthier and faster alternative. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, the air fryer makes crafting a delicious chicken pot pie a breeze. Get ready to experience the joy of perfectly cooked chicken, fluffy vegetables, and a flaky, golden crust, all thanks to the magic of air frying.

Understanding the Air Fryer Advantage for Chicken Pot Pie

The air fryer's appeal lies in its ability to deliver crispy, golden results without the excess oil required for traditional deep frying. This translates to a healthier version of your favorite chicken pot pie, with fewer calories and less fat. But the benefits extend beyond mere health; the air fryer also boasts impressive speed, allowing you to cook your chicken pot pie in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal on the table quickly.

What Makes Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie So Appealing?

Crisp, Golden Crust: The air fryer's circulating hot air creates a perfectly golden, crispy crust that's far superior to what you'd achieve in the oven.
Even Cooking: The air fryer ensures that your chicken pot pie cooks evenly, resulting in a perfectly cooked filling and a crispy crust.
Healthier Choice: Air frying requires minimal oil, translating into a healthier and lower-calorie meal compared to deep-frying.
Faster Cooking Time: The air fryer's rapid cooking speeds mean you can enjoy a delicious chicken pot pie in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie

While the air fryer takes care of the cooking process, the quality of your ingredients will make all the difference in the final taste. Here's a breakdown of what you need to consider:

1. The Chicken:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are the most versatile option for chicken pot pie. They cook quickly and can be easily shredded or diced.
Chicken Thighs: For a richer flavor and juicier texture, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They'll add a delightful depth to your filling.

2. The Vegetables:

Classic Choices: Carrots, peas, and potatoes are staple ingredients in chicken pot pie, offering a balanced mix of sweetness, crunch, and heartiness.
Embrace Variety: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like corn, green beans, or broccoli for added flavor and nutritional value.

3. The Crust:

Refrigerated Pie Crust: For a convenient option, choose a pre-made pie crust from your local grocery store.
Homemade Pie Crust: For a truly authentic experience, whip up your own pie crust using a simple recipe with butter, flour, and ice water.

Tips and Tricks for Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie Success

1. Prepare Your Filling First:

Before you start assembling your chicken pot pie, make sure you've already cooked and shredded your chicken and prepared your vegetables. This will help you create a cohesive and flavorful filling.

2. Use a Pie Dish or Baking Pan:

While you can directly place your pie in the air fryer basket, using a pie dish or baking pan ensures a more even cook and prevents the crust from sticking.

3. Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer:

Ensure you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can inhibit air circulation and prevent even cooking. If you're making multiple chicken pot pies, cook them in batches.

4. Don't Forget the Seasoning:

Season your chicken pot pie filling generously with salt, pepper, and any other herbs and spices you enjoy. This will enhance the flavor and bring out the best in your ingredients.

5. Check for Doneness:

Once your chicken pot pie is in the air fryer, keep a close eye on it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), and check that the crust is golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve with a Side:

A simple side salad or a scoop of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with your air-fried chicken pot pie.

Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie Recipes: Your Culinary Journey Begins

Now that you're equipped with the knowledge to make your own air fryer chicken pot pie, here are two recipes to get you started:

1. Classic Chicken Pot Pie:

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust

Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and shred.
Add the carrots, celery, and peas to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, flour, salt, and pepper. Pour into the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until thickened.
Stir in the shredded chicken.
Pour the filling into a pie dish.
Cover with the pie crust and crimp the edges to seal.
Place the pie in the air fryer basket and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

2. Creamy Chicken Pot Pie with a Twist: